Grinding, smoothing, and polishing apparatus



Nov. 5, 1929. s. WEROTTE 1,734,065

' GRINDING, SMOOTHING, AND POLIFSHING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 13, 1928 Fig.1

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Patented Nov. 5, 1929 SERAPHIN WEROTTE, OF .AUVELAISfBELG-IUM GRINDING, SMOOTHING, AND PbIlISHING APPARATUS Application filed Ianuary 13, 1928. Serial No. 246,488.

ratus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate and sheet lass and other materials, in

'which these materials are carried by tables 6 which have a continuous movement beneath members which perform constantly the same work. a

When it is a question of polishing raw glass, the distance covered by these tables be.- 10 fore the plates ofiglass are finished, is con siderable and may attain a length of about 250 meters, When the tables reach the end of their travel, one only of the faces of the glass is polished. To avoid having to send back the table empty tothe position where it entered the row, the invention proposes to arrange alongside of thi row of tables a second row, so that the end of one row may be nearthe beginning of the other. These two rows are preferably arranged in parallel. In order that the tables leaving one row may enter the adjoining row, the invention proposes ameans'of transferring the tables at the exit end of one row to the entrance end of the adjoining -row.

This object may be obtained for instance by arranging at the exit end of each row of tables, two pin chain driven at a higher speed than \the movement of the tables in the rows, and fitted with drivers which can thrust against lugs carried by the tables, Thus it is possible to detach the last table of each row and to pass it onto a transfer frame, which stops in front of the row in question during the time necessary for placing the table in position. i

The invention proposes that this transfer frame may have a reciprocating movement, and may be driven synchronously with the 4 forward motion of the tables, said transfer frame remaining stationary during an appreciable time at each end of its stroke. This movement of the transfer frame may beobtained for instance, by the use of a rod-andcrank connection, in which the crank is driven continuously by the motor which produces the forward movement of the tables, while the connecting rod imparts a reciprocating movementto a. rack which gears with a pinion rigidly fixed to claws arranged between other claws on a gear wheel, which communicates its motion to the dri'ving gear of the transfer frame.

Besides this, the invention provides that the table carried by the transfer frame which is momentarilystationed before the begin-f ning of a row, may be pushed against the first table of this row by means of a device moving at a higher speed than the forward-motion of the tables 'in this row, said device being driven synchronously with the tables in the row, and being fitted with elastic members,' of which the relatively large deflection is at least equal to the difference between the distance covered by the tables in the row, and by the one introduced into this row during the time when thecross fram pushes the newtable against the one which precedes it.

Other details andcharacteristics of the invention will become evident during the following description of the accompanying drawings which represent diagrammatically one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. l is a plan view of an apparatus ac cording to the invention.

Fig. 2 isa plan view on a larger. scale, of the devices for transferring thetables from the exit end of one row to the entrance end of the adjoining row'. 7

Figs..3. and 4-. represent details in perspective.

Fig. 1 shows tables 2 whichire moved continuously, one row in the direction of the arrow X, the other row in the direction of the arrow Y. The two rows are arranged in parallel to each other, so that the beginning of one of the rows is near the end of the other row and vice versa.. Let it be assumed that the materials to be treated, for instance plates of glass, are first fastened on the left hand table of the row'moving in the direction of the arrow Y, and that on arriving at the right hand end one oftheir sides is polished, and a lifting apparatus lifts them off after they have been unfastened and turns them over, preparatory to their being transferred to the other row X. -In addition, the right hand table of the row Y is, according'to the invention, transferred to the beginning of the row X. f

- to a reciprocating movement of the arrow Y,'there are fitted pin chains 4 driven by chain wheels 4 at a higher speed than that of the tables. These (pin chains are provided with drivers 4 guide between bars 4 and arran ed to push against lugs 2 (Fig. 4) fitted at tlie ends of the tables 2. Springs 4 are interposed between the drivers 4; and' their carriers 4;

Thus when a table reaches the end of the row Y it isdetached from the table which follows it,.and pushed onto the frame '5 of a transfer carriage 5 which may subjected in the direction of the arrow Z between the exit end of the row Y and the entrance end of the row X.

The pin 'chains 4, which may also be relace'd by other equivalent devices, are driven By the'same, motor 7 which drives the trans-. fer frame and roduces the movement of the tables in the direction of the arrow X.

The motion ofthe transfer1 frame is ob:

tained, for instance, by causing to turn fir'st in one direction and then in the other, a pulley 6 on which a rope 6" is rolled, said rope being attached to the transfer frame and passing round guide pulleys 6". p D

The reciprocating movement of this pulley 6 is effected by the motor 7 through a speed change box 8, a'shaft 9, the pin chains 4, a cross-shaft 10 connecting them, pinions 11 connecting shaft 10 with a shaft 12, and pinions 12" and 13' which connect shaft 12 with a device for transforming a. continuous rotary movement into a reciprocating movement, which will be described in detail fur ther on. v,

In addition to its reciprocating movement, the transfer frame 5 must, at each end of its stroke, remain stationary a certain time so that during this time it may be loaded or unloaded with a table. -These stops are obtained by k eyingon the shaft 13 carrying the pinion 13*, a crank 13" pivoted to a connecting rod 14 of which the end 14 is pivly attached laws 16 arranged between other claws 17 fixed to a'gear wheel 17 gearing Wit-ha pinion 18 (Fig. 2) which drives the -ulley 6 by means of the bevel pinions 1%. %y this arrangement, at each reversal of the direction of movement of the rack, the claws- 16 describe an anglee ual to that which separates the claws 17 w thout touching one or the other of these claws with the result that durin the whole time of this rotation, the gear w eel 17 remains at rest and there forealso the transfer frame 5.

This invention provides also forregulating the angular space between the claws 17",

so as to vary the duration of the stoppage of w the transfer frame 5 at the two ends of its stroke. This regulation may be obtained, for example, by displacing th jaws 17" in the slots 17 and by locking t em in the desired position by means of the nuts 17.

When thetransfer frame 5 has arrived opposite the row X, thetable which it carries is introduced into this row by the push of a buffer 20 carried by a cross bar 21 attached to cables 22 passing'over pulleys 23 which are subjected to an alternating rotary motion by causing a pinion 23" on the shaft -23'of the pulleys 23, to gear with a rack I 24 pivoted at theend ,of a connecting rod 25 driven by a crank 26 which receives a continuous rotary motion by means of the gears 26 and 12 of which the latter is keyed on the shaft 12. The velocity of motion of the cross-bar 21 is greater than that of the tables of the row X, so that the table carried by the transfer frame may overtake the one included in the said row. 4

In addition, to deaden the shocks, the buffer/ 20 is fixed on the cross-bar 21 by means of a spring 20 whose maximum deflection is sufficient to compensate the difference in the distances covered by the tables in the row and the'one introduced into; this row during the time when the cross-bar 21 pushes the new table against the one which precedes it.

- ing introduced a new table into the row X,

returns to the position shown, while the transfer frame 5, which has likewise returned to the position shown, is reloaded with a new table and transports it to a-position opposite the entrance end of the row X.

device similar to the oneshown in Fig. 2 is disposed at the left hand end of the;

rows X and Y- of Fig.' 1. -oted tothe end of a rack-15 gearing with a pinion 16 Figs. 2 and 3) to which are rigid- It is evident that this invention is not exclusively restricted to the structural embodiment 1l ustrated, and that many alterations may be made in the s ape, constitution and arranged of its component members without exceeding the scope of the invention.

lVhat I claim is:

1. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet. glass and other materials, includin members always perfonmin the same wor the combination of movab e tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a' continuous manner beneath said members,

arranged one near the said tables being grouped in two rows,

other so that the end memes of one row is near the beginning of the other, and means for transporting the tables leaving one row to the entrance of the neighbouring row; the said transporting meal including a' transfer frame and a device wl. 3h delivers to said frame the table-leaving ne row of tables, at a higher speed than ti at of said row.

2. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, includin members always performing the same wor the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other and provided with lugs, means for moving said tables in a continuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two rows, arranged one'near the other so that the end of one row is near the beginning of the other, and means for transporting the tables leaving one row to the entrance of the neighbouring row; the said transporting means including pin chains moving at a higher speed than that of the tables in the row, said pin chains carrying drivers arranged to catch the lugs carried by the tables. v

3.'In an apparatus for grinding, smoothv .ing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and tables in the row and carrying drivers arranged to catch the lugs carried by the tables, and elastic devices interposed between said lugs and drivers.

4. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work,'the combination of movable" tables arranged one after the other and provided with lugs, means for moving said tables in a continuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two rows arranged one near the 7 other so that the endof one row is near the beginning of the other, and means for trans.

porting the tables leaving one row to the entrance of the neighbouring row; the said transporting means including pin chains moving at'a, higher speed than that of the tables in the row, drivers arranged to catch the lugs carried by the tables, carriers on said chains for said drivers, and-interposed be:

tween the drivers and their carriers.

5. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work, the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other and provided with lugs, means for moving sa 1 tables in a continuous manner heneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two rows arranged one near the other so that the end of one row is near the beginning of the other, and means for transporting the tables leaving one row to the entrance of the neighbouring row; the said transporting means including pin chains moving at a higher speed than that of the tables in the row and carrying drivers arranged to catch the lugs carried by the tables, said lugs being arranged at the rear ends of the tables. v v

6. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work, the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a continuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two juxtaposed parallel rows so that the end of one row is near the beginning of the other, a transfer frame, means for displacing separately from a row to said transfer frame the tables leaving said row, and means for imparting a reciprocating motion to said transfer frame synchronously with the forward movement of the tables.

7. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work, the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a continuous manner beneath said members, the i said tables being grouped in two juxtaposed parallel rows so that the end ofon .row is near the beginning of the other, a transfer frame, means for displacing separately from a row to said transfer frame the tables leaving a row, and means for imparting a reciprocating motion Jto said transfer frame synchronously with the forward movement of the tables, said transfer frame remaining motionless during an appreciable time at each end of its stroke.

8. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work, the combination ofmovable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a continuous manner beneath-said members, the said tables'being grouped in two juxtaposed parallel'rows so that the end of one row is near the beginning of the other, a transfer frame, members for driving it, means for displacing separately from a row to said transfer frame the tables leaving said row, a motor ing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work, the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a con.- tinuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two juxtaposed parallel rows so that the end of one row is near the beginning of the other, a transfer frame, members for driving it, means for displacing separately from a row to said transfer frame the tables leaving said row, a motor for moving the tables forward, and means for transfer a reciprocating motion to said ame synchronously with theforward movement of the tables; the last named means including a rack, a rod-and-crank connection in which the crank is driven continuously by the motor and the connecting rod is connected to the rack, a pinion gearin with said rack, jaws rigidly fixed to sai pinion, a gear wheel 0 eratively' associated with 'themembers whic drive the transfer frame, and jaws carried by said gear wheel imparting 'and between which the first-named jaws are arran ed. p

10'. 11 an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass andother materials, includin members always performing the same wor the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a continuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two juxtaposed parallel rows so that the end of one row is near the be inning of the other, a transfer frame, members for driving 1t, means for d1splacing separately from a row to said transfer frame the tables leaving said roW a' motor for moving the tables forward, and means for imparting a reciprocating motion to said transfer frame synchronously with the forward movement of the tables; the last-named means including a rack, a rodand-crank connection in which the crank is driven continuously by the motor and the connecting rod isconnected to the rack, a pinion gearing with said rack, jaws rigidly fixed to said pinion, a

gear wheel operatively associated with the members which drive the transfer frame 'aws carried by said gear wheel and between w 'ch other materials, including "other materials, includin the first-named j aws are arranged, and means to regulate the distance between the-secondna-med jaws.

11. In anapparatus for grinding, smooth ing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members always performing the same work, the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a con-.

device which moves the table about. to enter into a row at a greater speed than that of the tables in said row.

' 12. In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and members always performing the same wor the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables ina continuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being grouped in two rows arranged one near the other so that the end of one row is near the beginning of the other,

and means for transporting the tables leaving one row to'theentrance of the neighbouring row; said transporting means mcludmg a cross-bar, and means for impartingia recip- I rocating motion to said cross-bar synchronously with the movement of the tables.

13.- In an apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and other materials, including members-always performing the same work, the combination of movable tables arranged one after the other, means for moving said tables in a con tinuous manner beneath said members, the said tables being rouped in two rows arrangedone near t e other so that the end of one row'is near the beginning of the other. and means for transporting the tables leaving one row to the entrance of the neighbouring row; said transporting means including a cross-bar, means for imparting-a reciprocating motion to said cross-bar synchronously. 1

with the movement of the tables, buffers on buffers and the cross-bar;

14. Inan apparatus for grinding, smoothing and polishing plate glass, sheet glass and members always performin the same wor the combination of movab e tables arranged one after the other, means for moving sald tables in a continuous manner beneat said members, the

.said tables beingfgrouped in two rows arranged one near the other, so that the end of one row is near the be inning of the other, and means for transporting the tables leaving one row to the entrance of the neighbouring row; said transporting means including a cross-bar adapted to push a transferred; table against the one preceding it, means for imparting a reciprocatin motion to said crossbar synchronously wit the movement ofthe tables, and springs associated with the crossbar and having a maximum possible deflection equal at least to the difierence between the distances covered by the tables in a row and the one transferred into said row, during the time when the cross-bar is pushing the said transferred table against the one which precedes it.

in testimony whereof I afix my signature.

SERAPHIN BUTTE. 

